Objektivfästen

Objektivfästen, often referred to as lens mounts, are the standardized interfaces that connect a camera body to a lens. This connection allows for the transmission of mechanical and electronic signals, enabling photography. The design of an objektivefäste is crucial as it dictates compatibility between cameras and lenses, influencing the choice of equipment for photographers and videographers.

There are numerous types of objektivefästen, each developed by different camera manufacturers or as industry standards. Some of the most common include Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and the various bayonet mounts used in medium and large format systems. Each mount has specific characteristics such as flange focal distance (the distance between the lens mount and the image sensor), diameter of the mount, and the number and type of electrical contacts.

The flange focal distance is particularly important. A shorter flange distance allows for more flexibility in lens design and the use of adapter rings to mount lenses from systems with longer flange distances onto cameras with shorter ones. However, adapting lenses in the reverse direction is generally not possible without optical elements, which can degrade image quality.

Electrical contacts within the objektivefäste facilitate communication between the camera and the lens. These contacts can control aperture, autofocus, image stabilization, and transfer metadata like focal length and exposure settings. The complexity and number of these contacts have increased over time with advancements in camera and lens technology.

The choice of objektivefäste can significantly impact a photographer's system. Once a camera system is chosen, users are often limited to lenses designed for that specific mount or compatible mounts through adapters. This makes the initial decision of which objektivefäste system to invest in a critical one for long-term usability and expandability.